DKPM: What We Like

Web Design Just Got Fontage

2010-06-02T15:37:00.003+01:00

As any web designer will tell you, there is a serious lack of options when using fonts in websites, which is mainly due to the lack of fonts that each person's computer has installed on it... It has been an issue for a long time now... but not anymore.

It seems some techy bods are aware of this problem and are now developing solutions to be able to integrate different fonts into web pages. The future of web design is CSS3, which in theory allows you to embed fonts into pages, but the problem here is we are just not sure how or when this will happen just yet... In the meantime those clever people at Google are trying to fill the gap and have developed "Google Fonts". In short they have a series of designers making custom fonts that any web designer / developer can then use in their web pages!

Worth a look!

Posted by: Francis

Does Power Corrupt?

2010-03-10T15:42:00.003Z

I went to see “An Enemy of the People” at the newly refurbished Sheffield Crucible last week, and it was really powerful stuff.

I also love the Sheffield Theatres Trust website, which is specially themed for this production!

Posted by: Clare

Graze!

2010-02-18T16:01:00.019Z

Graze is an internet based company that delivers boxes of healthy, nutritionally balanced food for you to nibble on throughout the day. The food is really yummy and not just food you would normally consider to be 'healthy', the dairy-free chocolates are delicious! All of the packaging is very nicely designed as well as being entirely recyclable.

The boxes are delivered via Royal Mail and consist of either 3 or 4 parts - depending on what you request and cost £2.99 delivered. You can visit the website here

Posted by: Dawn

Warp Records celebration

2009-12-04T14:50:00.000Z

20 years of mad bleeps and danceable insanity! Sheffield's iconic Warp Records label celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, which brought back early 90's memories of buying vinyl at their sadly departed shop on Division St... still cant beat a bit of LFO!

Modern Warfare 2 launch party

2009-11-24T14:34:00.000Z

Big game, big party! Me and Rich were in attendance thanks to our lovely clients at Activision, a great night with a surprise live set from Dizzee Rascal bringing down the house. Bring on MW3!

Argos Christmas Ads

2009-11-19T16:21:00.003Z

I’m such a fan of the Argos Christmas TV Campaigns. They impressed me last year with their no nonsense ‘Christmas Present’ ad, and this year they’ve done it again! They’ve embraced a true Christmas, a real Christmas where things go wrong in the kitchen, unexpected family members turn up and everyone is exhausted come late afternoon. It’s so relative, likeable, and funny - and it’s refreshing that they’re not trying to be something they’re not.

It’s such a relevant topic at the moment with some Christmas Ads causing a stir with their content and approach, it’s nice that one retailer at least is getting it so right!

Posted by: Jemma

Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery...

2009-11-03T09:49:00.004Z

...sounds like a day in the office, but no, I went to see the musical Chicago at the Lyceum on a girls night out. What a fantastic production and great to see Gary Wilmot back in action. Funny, sexy and very slick, the choreography was amazing, I was inspired - less chocolate, more gym coming my way, honest!

Posted by: Yvette

WARP20: Terminal 5 NYC / Sheffield

2009-10-23T10:54:00.020+01:00

Great timing: On my recent holiday in New York, not only did we get to experience the wonders of the Big Apple, but our trip also coincided with the WARP20 event. The pioneers of the hypnotic groove introduced me to electronic music many many years back. A great night was had (even though I was recovering from a stinking hangover from the night before after my Sister in Laws wedding) with Pivot, Flying Lotus, iii and Battles representing the innovative label stateside. It was great to see the sheffield label being celebrated half way across the globe.

Two weeks later, WARP returned to Sheffield for a night of skewed electronics, this time with a great selection of UK artists (old and new) - Harmonic 313, Hudson Mohawke, Clark, Squarepusher, Nightmares on Wax, Andy Weatherall and Forgemasters.

Two amazing events, and the icing on the cake was when the coveted 20 years boxset designed by Yes Studio arrived a week later, Some great production values (audio and visual!).

Posted by: Matt

War Horse

2009-09-17T09:24:00.003+01:00

I went to the New London Theatre with my old uni mate Viki. We spent many hours together set-building and designing for our degree – so, always up for a bit of “proper” theatre, we went to see War Horse and were WELL impressed with this set, and the AMAZING puppets used in this play.

I highly recommend seeing this, I loved it!!

Posted by: Clare

Jacques Mesrine double bill

2009-08-28T13:20:00.001+01:00

Mesrine is a fantastic gangster film about the real life criminal Jacques Mesrine who was a larger than life figure in 60s and 70s France. Vincent Cassel is incredible in the title role.

Released in two parts (Killer Instinct and Public Enemy No. 1), both are on general release and definitely worth looking up - here's a taster:

Useful Advertising Makes A Splash!

2009-08-12T11:02:00.009+01:00

I spotted this innovative piece of advertising on Springwise last week. Aircel, an Indian mobile phone network provider, attached a dinghy to a billboard next to a road which is notoroious for flooding during the monsoon season.

The billboard bore the message "In case of emergency cut rope" and, sure enough, a few weeks later the underpass flooded, the rope was cut, and the dinghy was used to rescue stranded pedestrians.

This bit of corporate generosity has brought media attention from around the globe and, now Aircel are reported to be planning something similar in Delhi and Kolkata.

Posted by: Roz

Spacious!

2009-08-10T11:26:00.007+01:00

I really like this series of ads for the Citröen C3 Picasso created by Euro RSCG Worldwide. A really fun way of demonstrating the spaciousness that will work in any language.

Posted by: Paul H

One for the Ladies/Girlfriends/Wives

2009-08-07T14:39:00.007+01:00

My what we like this month is Poppy Valentine!

The shop is on Portobello Road, and the lovely lady who owns it makes these beautiful vintage clothes/handbags/purses/make-up bags and then sells them both in the shop and online.

Check out their website for gorgeous gift ideas!

Posted by: Marianne

Clever cat

2009-07-30T13:39:00.001+01:00

Warning - this is addictive!Click on the pic or go to http://www.gamedesign.jp/flash/chatnoir/chatnoir.html

MahaNakhon – Bangkok’s ‘Great Metropolis’

2009-07-28T09:19:00.007+01:00

This week in Dezeen I spotted an article on the plans for MahaNakhon by Ole Scheeren of OMA. Not only was I grabbed instantly by the beauty of this architectural giant, I was also amazed at the detail and inclusivity of its design.

The building that will become Bangkok’s largest skyscraper is a glass tower constructed of a staggering 77 floors. More interestingly though is that the design moves beyond the traditional seamless, glossy totem and includes a ribbon of seemingly pixelated floors creating beautiful aesthetics with practical and stunning design functionality. The 3 dimensional ribbon wrapping around the tower will provide uninterrupted panoramic views and terraces, as if excavating outdoor space from the depths of the glittering glass masterpiece.

Due for completion in late 2012 the building will include The Ritz Carlton Residences, a public plaza, retail space, 200 homes, restaurants, bars and a stunning multi level 3 floor Sky Bar and Restaurant allowing you to entertain at over 1,000 feet above the city.

Posted by: Roz

Santa Monica

2009-07-14T13:32:00.001+01:00

Just come back from a great trip to the west coast, and Santa Monica officially rules.

Pun-Tastic Postcards

2009-05-28T09:40:00.009+01:00

These pun-tastic postcards have been designed for the Harvey Nichols Foodmarket by Ruan Milborrow and Mark Nightingale of Mr H. There are twelve designs and they can be purchased in packs of six - Girl or Boy. Other featured celebs include Cake Winslet, Banana Mouskouri, Skate Moss, Pea Diddy and The Artist Formerly Known as Mince.

Fizzy Rascal is my personal favourite, but some of the girls in the office quite fancy Bread Pitt and Wayne Pruney...

Posted by: Roz

ATP Festival - Minehead

2009-05-26T09:11:00.006+01:00

The best christmas present ever - ATP Festival curated by The Breeders. Festival highlights included Shellac, Gang of Four, Melt Banana, Bon Iver, Wire, The Bronx and Times New Viking.

I'm now really looking forward to the Nightmare Before Christmas with My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth at the start of December!

Posted by: Matt

Springtime in Paris

2009-05-06T16:25:00.001+01:00

Every year I visit my friend in Paris, and have just returned from this year’s trip. I spent three days enjoying the warm Parisian sunshine (it was even warm enough to wear my flip-flops a couple of times!), catching up and generally having a fantastic time.

No trip to Paris is complete without a little indulgence, and this year it came in the form of a visit to the luxurious Laduree tea shop – the home of the double-decker Macaron! The pastries were absolutely delicious – I did bring some back to share around the office but they disappeared before we could take any pictures!

Posted by: Jemma

Enviably Bendy Stuff!

2009-04-30T16:55:00.003+01:00

Posted by: Clare

Spring Is Here!

2009-04-07T17:15:00.003+01:00

My first ever "What We Like" is Spring! It's my favourite season - daffodils, lambs, the end of the long grey winter, and (hopefully) the start of a long hot summer...

Bring on the flip-flops, BBQ's and, if it's anything like last summer, the umbrellas!

Posted by: Roz

Man On Wire

2009-04-07T17:07:00.003+01:00

Watch this film.

Why? "There Is No Why".

Posted by: Matt

The Jon Stewart Daily Show

2009-04-07T16:58:00.003+01:00

I have become addicted to the Jon Stewart Daily Show – a kind of ‘Have-I-Got-News-For-You-meets-Jay-Leno’...I was bitten in the run up to the US election, and now I can’t get enough.

I like the ‘reporters’ on the show – particular the Brummy John Oliver – see him in action here at Obama’s inauguration:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

M - Th 11p / 10c

Inauguration Day Unity

comedycentral.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Economic Crisis

Political Humor

Posted by: Tom

SHU Jan van Toorn Exhibition

2009-03-16T09:26:00.003Z

Graphic Design Monography and Critical Practice Monday 16 March - Friday 27 March 2009.

The graphic design monograph has been a central part of the history and evolution of the subject. This show focused on one recent publication by the writer Rick Poynor and designer Simon Davies on the work of the Dutch designer Jan van Toorn; ‘Critical Practice’. The gallery scaled and hung each page of the book alongside sketches and early designs.

A great design treat for Sheffield.

Posted by: Matt

Pirelli 2009 Calendar

2009-02-12T08:56:00.006Z

I managed to get hold of the famous Pirelli calendar for 2009 the other day after visiting a new supplier called Beacon Press. They had printed the job and pointed out to me that, for the first time ever, it has been printed on an uncoated paper stock. The actual results look fantastic!

Oh, and just in case you thought I was only interested in the paper stock and not the scantily clad ladies in the superb photography, then you’d be wrong………of course I was!

Posted by: Richard

Simon's Cat

2009-02-10T15:39:00.004Z

Cat owners will really appreciate these short animations by Simon Tofield at Tandem Films. Fantastic!

"Cat-Man-Do"

"Let Me In"

"TV Dinner"

The RSPCA have used him for a recent ad campaign:

”Simon's Sister's Dog”

Posted by: Helen

Dirty Street Ads!

2009-02-10T15:33:00.003Z

I like the idea behind dirtystreetads.com. This Bristol-based company provide pavement advertising by pressure-washing stencilled logos/messages into existing grime. Effective, legal, eco-friendly and original!

Posted by: Clare

25 Years, Still Red Hot (Virgin Atlantic)

2009-02-10T12:38:00.006Z

This celebratory advert works on so many levels, the music, the costumes, the red, the sexiness, the alignment of other iconic brands from the era... It’s a brave move and a vivid splash of colour in a climate which is today rather grey, gloomy and recession-focused. Virgin Atlantic’s Still Red Hot advert is confident, uplifting and reminds us that we’ve got through tough times before – and that Virgin Atlantic has kept its head well and truly above the clouds. A breath of fresh air ;-)

Posted by: Clare

Ten/SEA

2009-02-10T12:25:00.007Z

Many thanks to Dan for this one. It’s been in my Amazon basket for some time, so when my Amazon Christmas voucher arrived it was a must buy. A compendium of work by London agency SEA from 1997 to 2007. Their work has brevity, simplicity, clarity and is a great example of british design.

Posted by: Matt

The Worlds Largest Snowman... Is a Woman!

2009-02-10T12:10:00.005Z

Which begs the question:
What's the difference between a Snowman and a SnowWoman?
Answer: Snowballs!

Although the recent snowfall caused chaos across the UK, I was pleased to see that at least some communities get out there and enjoy it....

The World's Tallest Snowman was created in Bethel, Maine in 1999, standing at 113’7” tall. But in 2008 the community set another world record... building the World's Tallest SnowWoman at 122'1".

Angus, King of the Mountain was replaced in the record books by a woman named Olympia SnowWoman who weighs in at 13,000,000 lbs. of snow. 5 foot wreaths were used for eyes, 16 skis for eyelashes, 130 ft. scarf, 30 ft. spruce trees for arms and 2,000 ft. of rope for hair.

Now that's snow joke!

Posted by: Yvette

Come on, Al, were going home.

2009-02-10T11:16:00.004Z

Reading about the Sam Peckinpah retrospective at the National Film Theatre reminded me of my favourite Peckinpah movie 'Bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia'. I was compelled to get myself a copy as it had been many years since I had last seen it.

It centres on Warren Oates (his best role), as a seedy bar pianist in Mexico city seeking a reward for bringing to a feudal landowner the head of the man who seduced his daughter.

A visceral story of love & revenge set amongst the stifling heat of mexico.
A classic movie of the 70’s.

Posted by: Matt

BACK COVER ISSUE 1/NUMERO 1 Design Graphique, Typography, etc.

2009-02-10T10:58:00.003Z

Back Cover is a new design publication from France. Rather than current work and trends its focuses on the designers influences and inspirations. All editorial content comes in both French and English.

Posted by: Matt

Owls do double!

2009-02-09T13:01:00.003Z

After 95 years (NINETY-FIVE YEARS!) the mighty Wednesday have finally managed to do a league double over our porcine neighbours, winning at Bramall Lane for the first time since 1967 into the bargain.

Get in!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/4560253/Marcus-Tudgay-seals-Sheffield-Wednesdays-derby-glory-with-his-best-ever-goal.html

What do you buy for the girl who has everything?

2009-01-19T15:55:00.000Z

A zip!!

I was given this as a present and at first, I’ll admit, I was a bit confused as to why my brother had given me a zip for Christmas, however all became clear once I began to zip it together and a bag appeared!

These funky accessories are made by London-based company uzipit.co.uk and there are seven styles and hundreds of colour combinations to choose from. I love it – it’s a great piece of design and it looks great!

Posted by: Jemma

Moules & Frites for Christmas anyone?

2009-01-05T12:45:00.001Z

This year me and my brother Will (yes the one who doesn't work here!) spent Xmas at our dad's in Brussels.

Always a good place for drinking insanely strong beer, we now had the pleasure of wandering around the winter markets in between drinking insanely strong beer.

Highly recommended!

From Me To You

2008-12-12T17:17:00.008Z

John Lewis Christmas 2008 TV ad

This is the best Christmas ad on TV at the moment, I just love the music with the simple shots of different people and the present associated with them, it’s cleverly been put together and love the line ‘if you know the person, you’ll find the present' ………made me go and buy a few from there actually.

Posted by: Richard

New York Baubles

2008-12-12T17:07:00.008Z

My other half picked up these funky Xmas Tree baubles in New York - burger n fries! How festive!!

Posted by: Dan

What a mug!

2008-12-12T17:07:00.007Z

I like the new mug that Claire got for me from Urban Outfitters.

The drip is part of the design, but looks so realistic that anyone trying to wash it spends at least an hour at the sink!

Posted by: Bew

Loopy Music

2008-12-12T16:48:00.003Z

Liam Finn - Lead Balloon (I'll Be Lightning)

Me and Matt went to see the Black Keys play the academy last week, they were absolutely brilliant as usual, but Liam Finn (son of Neil Finn from Crowded House) was supporting them and he totally blew me away.

He uses a loop machine to record what he plays live and builds it up - great voice and an extremely talented musician will definitely be putting his album (called I'll be lightning) on my Xmas List!

Check him out!

Posted by: Bew

GOA

2008-12-12T16:44:00.004Z

My ‘What we like’ this month is my holiday to Goa. I could write a thousand words about this inspirational place however, I will limit it to one special experience which was visiting an elephant sanctuary in the jungle.

Not only was I able to meet these amazing creatures but I rode and washed them and watched intently as they played amongst themselves. The sheer size mixed with their gentle, laid back nature was incredible and there were times that you simply forgot how dangerous these creatures can be. It was a ‘once in a lifetime moment’ and I have such fond memories...

Posted by: Jemma

Goldfinger Lobby Card

2008-12-12T16:21:00.001Z

I found this original lobby card – pics that were sited in the lobby of cinemas – in a shop just off Carnaby St. This is such an iconic scene from the Bond movies – perhaps THE iconic scene...

Posted by: Dan

Buzzin Fly - 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness

2008-12-12T15:49:00.003Z

Buzzin’ Fly are an independent record label concentrating on minimal/deep/tech house. London Agency, I want design are responsible for all sleeve designs, posters, and t-shirts using hand rendered type, collages, props and photography, giving the label an immediate - identifiable look. Music and design has always had a symbiotic relationship and this just proves it.

I was going to buy this on digital download, but thought for an extra couple of quid I could get a nice piece of design as well.

Posted by: Matt

Death Star over San Francisco

2008-12-12T15:29:00.005Z

The Empire is invading.........AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!

Posted by: Dan

The Steel City Tour

2008-12-12T14:03:00.008Z

We recently went to see The Steel City Tour gig at the Sheffield Arena for our Christmas Party. The show featured three legendary Sheffield groups who brought electro-funk (Heaven 17), orchestral disco (ABC) and synth pop (the Human League) to the masses.

Heaven 17 was the first act up to perform some of their biggest hits, including Geisha Boys and Temple Girls, Penthouse to Pavement and of course the classic Temptation. (It’s worth mentioning that the girls who sang along with Glenn Gregory to Temptation sounded amazing)!!

Martin Fry followed, offering a 40-minute extravaganza of theatrical pop rock from the ABC back catalogue. Featuring all of their biggest hits from the catchy Poison Arrow and When Smokey Sings to the more recent releases like Ride and The Look of Love. It was a flawless performance from 50-year-old Fry whose velvety vocals have not tarnished with age.

There was no doubt who the night really belonged to – 80s synth-pop heroes the Human League. Emerging like something from The Matrix, in a leather trench coat and shades, Phil Oakey opened with haunting 1981 hit Seconds, before being joined by the band’s original female vocalists Susan Ann Sulley and Joanne Catherall, for Mirror Man. From there it was non-stop for 12 songs from hardcore new romantic – Empire State Human – to 90s pop – Tell Me When.

The sound was immaculate, the visuals magnificent – all sci-fi lights and flickering images on a giant screen, from A Clockwork Orange to Barack Obama. I believe all concerts should be this arty, ambitious and entertaining.

The band ended the show with crowd-pleaser Don’t You Want Me and the uplifting Electric Dreams. It was easy to see why the electro-pop pioneers are still going strong.

Take a look:

Human League - Don't you want me - Sheffield Arena

Posted by: Linda

On top of the world!

2008-12-12T10:04:00.007Z

I spent most of October in Nepal, on a 24 day trek to Everest Base Camp crossing two high passes, the Renjo La and the Cho La.

Our 12 strong trekking team congregated in Kathmandu and after taking an adrenaline fueled flight to Lukla (check out Lukla airport on YouTube!) we met our team of hero's - the Nepalise Sherpas and Porters, and the adventure began.

We were up at 6am each morning, woken by the call for washing water (no need - it's babywipes all the way!), breakfast at 6.30am, then up and out.

Trekking through the Himalayas was like dropping into another world - away from the rat race, no mobile phones, stripped back to the very simplest of living conditions. Our journey took us to the most remote areas, across glaciers with temperatures ranging from scorching sunshine to below freezing, walking and sleeping at altitude of over 5,000m. Each day brought mind blowing sights - the highest, most beautiful mountains in the world....(and possibly the lowest toilet conditions!) It was proven within our team that toilet humour is international!

We congratulated ourselves and our Nepalese team with a huge party on our last night, and after a kettle full of rice wine the Nepali singing and dancing came naturally to us all - the best ending to an experience of a lifetime!

Check out our leaders report at: http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/news/reports_read.html?id=697

Posted by: Yvette

HSBC Virtual Forest

2008-11-10T17:10:00.007Z

I’ve switched all my accounts to online statements, so no more paper from my bank.

Thought I’d share this with you as it’s a lovely campaign, and a cool, inclusive green idea.

Let’s hope my tree grows some money on it - it’s called “moolahtree.”

Check out the Virtual Forest. For every 20 paper statements switched off by an HSBC customer, HSBC will plant a real tree. https://virtualforest.hsbc.co.uk/

Posted by: Clare

TV Ads to watch out for...

2008-11-10T17:09:00.015Z

I like these very cool and funny television ads!

Argos advert - Christmas present (2008)

Barclays Barclaycard Water Flume Advert

Posted by: Jemma

School Chaise Longue

2008-11-10T16:27:00.008Z

This is what you need to get you through double-maths!

http://mydeco.com/product/school-chaise/ccd3145df3b222bfbb936ae0c290715019321efa/

Posted by: Dan

This Goes to 11

2008-11-10T16:08:00.008Z

I have noticed that the BBC Web site allows you to turn the volume of streaming video to 11 – shades of the famous Spinal Tap scene??

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d54UU-fPIsY

Posted by: Dan

The return of the Wispa

2008-11-10T15:55:00.006Z

They say that some things are best left in the 80’s…I disagree.

It’s back and tastes every bit as good today as it did in its 80’s heyday.

The Wispa was first introduced as a trial bar in 1981 and proved to be highly successful, prompting a full national release in 1983. It was Cadbury’s answer to Nestlé’s Aero. Sadly, after declining sales throughout the 90’s, Cadbury’s pulled the bar from their range in 2003, replacing it with “Dairy Milk Bubbly”. A sad day for chocolate lovers.

The good news is that the Wispa is back, again in limited period, and if it proves successful, then Cadbury’s may re-introduce it fully into their range. A case of history repeating.

So Wispa lovers out there, get buying and let’s make sure the Wispa is back for good!

Posted by: Roz

Grace Jones New Album

2008-11-10T15:54:00.001Z

I am a bit of a Grace Jones fan – and am loving the new album for various reasons:

1) Its great
2) The photography is shot in Thornton’s chocolate factory in Derbyshire
3) My mate Ants produced the majority of it

...‘I AM HURRICANE!’

Posted by: Dan

Books with a little je ne sais qua...

2008-11-10T15:08:00.004Z

These book designs were designed for French publisher La Découverte by the Parisian designers devalence.

Love the look of these, using a very utilitarian approach, the design is simple with striking typography to accentuate the title of the book.

Works for me.

The websites cool too. http://www.devalence.net/

Posted by: Matt

Wedding Sculpture

2008-11-10T14:56:00.004Z

I love this sculpture given to us as a wedding present by my Godfather – New York based artist Lee Tribe http://www.leetribe.com/

Posted by: Dan

the Power of a Simple Gift - Operation Christmas Child

2008-11-10T14:45:00.006Z

For me, seeing Daisy's little face light up on Christmas morning is one of my most favourite things, so when I heard about Operation Christmas Child I decided to make it a regular Christmas charity donation.

The idea is simple, fun and immeasurable in terms of what it must mean to children from some of the poorest places on the planet.

1. Get a medium sized shoe box and wrap it in Christmas Paper.

2. Decide if your gift is for a girl or a boy and the age category (2-4, 5-9 or 10-14yrs)

3. Fill the box with gifts that will bring the most delight to a child of that age.

4. Drop off at a designated collection point.

The boxes are then delivered to some of the poorest kids in the world regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs, many of them have never had a Christmas present before.

It's not world changing and it's not going to help these kids out of poverty, but hopefully it will make their faces light up on Christmas morning.

Find out more at: http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/

Posted by: Bew

What’s Cooking?

2008-11-10T10:55:00.012Z

I like What’s Cooking? Jamie Oliver for the Nintendo DS. This fun and interactive cooking game feature’s a whole book’s worth of Jamie’s fantastic recipes. The concept of the game is that you follow the recipes in one of the virtual kitchens, or with real ingredients in your own home. The game has a voice-recognition feature, which means your hands are free to concentrate on the cooking.

I particularly like the mobile shopping list function – making shopping hassle-free. Simply choose the recipes you want to make and the ingredients will automatically be added to your shopping list.

You can cook against the clock in a series of exciting challenges that will soon have you chopping, stirring and baking your way to the top. The game also allows you to get creative with hundreds of ingredients and utensils, but what’s brilliant is that you can come up with your own recipes then share them with your friends and family over Wi-Fi.

Definitely a more fun way to cook!

Posted by: Linda

Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite

2008-10-01T16:22:00.003+01:00

I like this book by Paul Arden - Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite. This book is a daring attack on the way we look at our work and our world. Instead of the usual boring advice, Paul Arden offers daring quips, aphorisms and paradoxes – all seeking to revise what we hold as our ‘common sense’. Whether you sell, manage or buy, Arden inspires you with his original thinking, startling anecdotes, brilliant photographs and offbeat quotations from artists, scientists and philosophers.

Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite will force a rupture in whatever it is you used to think – even if you didn’t know you thought it. And it will give you the confidence to take bigger risks and enjoy your work more than you can imagine.

Posted by: Linda

Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

2008-10-01T16:07:00.014+01:00

I like Whittlebury Hall Hotel Spa – this place is totally wonderful – not cheap, but absolutely the most relaxing place I’ve ever been, the facilities are beaut and you can choose from a wide range of relaxing activities or exercise, and the food is great too! They have a full range of massage treatments from Turkish Hamman to Indian head massage, along with Beauty treatments such as facials, hairdressing, mani/pedi etc. etc.

My Friday holiday went like this:
Lazing about in the following... Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room... Caldarium... Experience Showers... Hydrotherapy Pool... Ice Cave (brrrrrrr!)... Roman Salt Steam Room... Sanarium... Tepidarium... Sauna

I also had some less lazy moments:
50 lengths in the pool... 30 mins in gym... 60 mins circuit training

The rest of the time I spent like this:
Eating & Drinking – fruit & water + healthy fish & salad buffet lunch + cream tea + 3 course gourmet meal + booze (so gradually ruined all the hard work)

Check it out:
http://www.whittleburyhall.co.uk/spa_index.asp

It’s near Silverstone (Milton Keynes, M1 Junction 14), and is where all the racing drivers usually stay, and is well lush!

Posted by: Clare

Scrambling in Wales

2008-10-01T14:48:00.009+01:00

Squeezing in some last minute training for my upcoming trek to Everest Base Camp, I went to North Wales with a couple of friends to climb Mt Tryfan, which is just over 3,000ft. I did this route 6 years ago, and had forgotten 'the fear'. It was actually great fun in some sections, but pretty scary in others. Ended the day with a celebratory portion of chips and peas - perfect!

Posted by: Yvette

My Booky Wook by Russell Brand

2008-10-01T14:33:00.005+01:00

You either love him or hate him - a bit like marmite. If you're a fan then it's well worth a read. He talks very honestly about his life, and with his inventive use of the English language it's incredibly funny - you can hear him reeling off his crazy dialect as you read.

Posted by: Yvette

Stasiland by Anna Funder

2008-10-01T13:58:00.012+01:00

Stasiland was my holiday read. It is about The German Democratic Republic when the days of communism ruled East Germany and how the infamous "STASI" affected the people living in it.

Taking on the formula of a novel, Stasiland is a collection of peoples stories from this time, former Stasi officers as well as victims of the regime, both groups who look back on the days of the GDR very differently.

The book is a captivating read and a great way to learn a little about the subject, it takes a humanistic approach to a very uncompromising time in history.

Posted by: Matt

A cut above!

2008-10-01T11:35:00.008+01:00

I like the papercut work of Peter Callesen.

Using the most commonly used media format - the humble A4 sheet of paper - he's created some amazingly intricate work.

Just a sheet of paper, a scalpel, a bit of glue and a whole lot of patience.

See lots more at http://www.petercallesen.com/

Posted by: Bew

That's why Matt's gone to Iceland…

2008-10-01T10:48:00.006+01:00

Yep, expect the bad weather, but the charm of Iceland and its people make it very easy to fall in love with the country.

The views in Iceland are exhilarating; it was great to see all the natural wonders of the country, the huge waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and best of all, the geothermal blue lagoon set amongst the black rocks of the barren lava fields.

Our base was Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and biggest city (Population around 120,000 of Iceland’s 330,000). It's no metropolis but that’s the beauty of the place. Thriving cafes, high-energy pubs and clubs, and a brightly coloured old town with rows of wood-and-corrugated-tin houses cluster together in the compact city centre. The place has a very relaxed atmosphere (except at the weekend, when the inhabitants indulge in some serious heavy drinking in the 15 or so pubs and clubs). A phenomenal place and the best fish and chips I have ever tasted!

Unfortunately the weather was that bad the pics don't do the place much justice. But check out http://gasperak.com/iceland/1/ which shows the place in its full glory (see if you can see the elf behind that rock!)

Posted by: Matt

All hail the print ad!!

2008-10-01T10:27:00.009+01:00

I’ve been impressed recently by how many print ads have caught my eye with some even stopping me in my tracks! Whether it's magazine or outdoor I truly feel that a lot of company’s are going ‘back to basics’.

First up is Galaxy’s promoting Sex And The City on DVD showing NYC buildings made out of their chocolate - simple and effective.

Second is Lurpak’s where they focus on the quality of food which should go with their butter. In this instance it’s a classic baked potato but not just any, it’s a baked potato that is cooked to its best in an oven not a microwave – it’s clever and quirky.

Finally, a brand that always seems to get things right is Selfridges. Their ad ‘Treat Yourself’ works so well and is a great play on their key brand elements which are so recognisable and iconic now. Isn’t it great when you can sit back and let a brand work for you? Keeping it consistent with a sprinkle of freshness is the key!

Posted by: Jemma

Oh No! The Wire has finished!

2008-09-30T15:27:00.007+01:00

I've just finished watching series 5 of The Wire, which has kicked The Sopranos off its perch as the greatest TV show I've ever seen.

It's hard to describe The Wire without making it sound like hard work, but I've found a review by Guardian TV critic and professional malcontent Charlie Brooker that does the job very well.

As he says in his summing up, just watch it - it's f***ing brilliant!

Monkey DJ

2008-09-26T14:45:00.003+01:00

In Stockholm I saw this window display in the Old Town....monkey, headphones, what’s not to love?!

Posted by: Dan

My Wedding!

2008-09-26T14:32:00.002+01:00

I liked my wedding – held on Sat 23rd August – it was great fun!! I also love this picture – from top photographer Scott Morrison http://www.delahoyaphotography.com/

Posted by: Dan

A little bit of design history...

2008-08-29T15:39:00.001+01:00

It's been 30 years since the Lego mini figure was launched!

Since 1978 the design has only been modified by a matter of millimetres which is testament to the quality of the original work.

Here’s a gallery of how they've developed over the years.

http://www.iconeye.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3344:lego

Posted by: Bew

The Radical Architecture of Little Magazines 196X–197X

2008-08-29T14:57:00.004+01:00

Clip/Stamp/Fold

I didn’t hear about this event until only recently although I did find the subject very interesting with a very comprehensive website to boot. Clip/Stamp/Fold covers independent architectural magazines in the 1960s and 1970s which instigated a radical transformation in architectural culture with the architecture of the magazines acting as the site of innovation and debate.

Clip/Stamp/Fold: The Radical Architecture of Little Magazines 196X – 197X takes stock of seventy little magazines from this period, which were published in over a dozen cities. Coined in the early twentieth century to designate progressive literary journals, the term “little magazine” was remobilized during the 1960s to grapple with the contemporary proliferation of independent architectural periodicals. The terms “little” and “magazine” are not taken at face value. In addition to short-lived radical magazines, Clip/Stamp/Fold includes pamphlets and building instruction manuals along with professional magazines that experienced “moments of littleness,” influenced by the graphics and intellectual concerns of their self-published contemporaries.

http://www.clipstampfold.com/

Posted by: Matt

Tinsley Towers

2008-08-29T14:45:00.004+01:00

Best Video Tinsley Cooling Towers Demolitian Official

After a cracking wedding party in Bakewell (Dan Kirby’s by the way), me and my wife decided that it would be fun to see the Tinsley Towers demolished, it was late anyway so why not. We got home and changed, made a flask of tea and off we went to see the destruction. We arrived and it looked like everyone from Sheffield wanted to see the spectacle as well. The whole thing happened really quickly and was a fantastic sight - especially when it looked as though it was going to fall on the M1! We witnessed a bit of history, well for Sheffield anyway, and was well worth the late night stop out.

Posted by: Richard

The Little Book of Big Excuses

2008-08-29T14:35:00.004+01:00

A print company sent me this and I really like it:

It's a selection of the best (or worst) excuses when print hasn’t arrived. In all my years so far as a buyer of print I thought I’d heard them all! A few are a bit far fetched but loved the concept.

Posted by: Richard

A Postcard from Tinsley

2008-08-29T14:19:00.004+01:00

I like these postcards which are intended to represent the Tinsley Cooling Towers as viewed and experienced from within the community of Tinsley.

Photographer, writer and digital artist Ali White engaged local residents in lengthy and often heated conversations – on the streets, in the bookies, the Fox & Duck, the local library, Tinsley Youth Club and Tinsley Green – about how they perceive the towers, what they mean to them, and the place they have had in their lives. All the quotations emerged from these encounters, and many of the photographs were taken by local people.

Here are some of the quotes – spoken in a true 'Yorkshire man’s' tone of voice:

“I like them being there. I don’t know if I like them, but they give me a homely feeling. It’ll look odd when they’ve gone.”

“We used to mess about down there by the canal with the lads from Park House High School playing kiss-catch and tallyho and kiddin on the Irish navvies that were building the viaduct to come down the club for a babycham. We must have been about 14.”

“They’re just stood there doing nowt.”

“When I was a little lad running around in this pub, people knew what Tinsley was about and expected it to stay that way. But a little lad running round in here now – what will Tinsley be about for him when he’s 40? And what will he know of what it used to be? It’s not about the towers. To me it was a crime when the old 600 gates came down. There’s a lot of history here, and it mustn’t be forgotten.”

Posted by: Linda

Dubai Tower

2008-08-29T14:06:00.006+01:00

I first saw this story on the BBC’s website a while ago and it brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘Residential Property’!

Currently in Dubai they are constructing the World's first moving building, the 80-storey tower design is made up of 80 pre-fabricated apartments which will spin independently off one another.

Architect David Fisher recently commented in New York and explains, "It's the first building that rotates, moves, and changes shape, this building never looks the same, not once in a lifetime."

The building's apartments will spin a full 360 degrees, at voice command, around a central column by means of 79 giant power-generating wind turbines located between each floor. The slender building will be energy self-sufficient as the turbines would produce enough electricity to power the entire building and even feed extra power back into the grid.

The apartments, which will take between one and three hours to make a complete rotation, will cost from $3.7m to $36m. The skyscraper will cost an estimated $700m to build and should be up and running in Dubai in 2010.

Posted by: Jemma

BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN

2008-08-29T13:51:00.004+01:00

Taking place during Batman's early days of crime fighting, this collection tells the story of a mysterious killer who murders his prey only on holidays. Working with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman races against the calendar as he tries to discover who Holiday is before he claims his next victim each month. This story also ties into the events that transform Harvey Dent into Batman's deadly enemy, Two-Face. A prominent story in the new batman movie. A real must read with phenomenal illustrations.

Posted by: Matt

Nick Cave on tour

2008-08-29T12:22:00.004+01:00

In November the legendary Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are playing Sheffield for the first time ever, and thanks to DKPM’s ever-expanding Nick Cave fanbase a load of us will be going! Here they are on Later with one of my favourite tracks from their latest amazing album Dig, Lararus, Dig.

Posted by: Tom

The 1970s Scrapbook

2008-08-29T11:32:00.004+01:00

I really like this book, The 1970s Scrapbook.

Compiled by Robert Opie, director of the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, it's packed full of images of everything that was great about the 70s. And a few things that are best forgotten!

Makes me want to get my tank top on and go bombing about on my Chopper. Then settle down and watch Charlie's Angels with a can of Cresta.

Posted by: Paul M

PopArt Sneakers

2008-08-29T11:23:00.002+01:00

How cool are these PopArt sneakers...

“They look like they’ve been drawn right onto your feet in a comic book style – love em!”

Posted by: Clare

Jemma steers the way!

2008-07-25T15:39:00.009+01:00

I never imagined myself on the high seas, well on the Broads to be specific but a few weeks ago I did just that! I sported a captain's hat and took to the water on the Norfolk Broads with friends for a fun filled long weekend!

Living and sleeping on a 6 man boat was certainly an experience, especially when hair dryers and straighteners weren't allowed to avoid blowing the low watt fuse!!

Our trip started at potter's Higham and we floated and partly steered all the way to Oulton Broad, home to amazing scenery, friendly people and one of the best fish and chip suppers I’ve had! Poker straight hair was long forgotten and I would certainly do it again (perhaps with B&B reservations though!)

Posted by: Jemma

Mine’s a pint of peas please!

2008-07-25T14:33:00.000+01:00

Down in the big smoke, the latest snacklet to accompany your pint is the fabulous wasabi pea! Usually served in generous “pint of peas” portions, the peas are small and seemingly innocuous. BUT they pack a nose tingling punch that’ll make your eyes water. They’re dried peas coated in wasabi paste (normally to be found in Japanese cuisine like sushi). Sounds horrific doesn’t it, but there’s a good reason the packet in this photo is empty... I can feel a wasabi pea eating competition coming on...

Posted by: Clare

Oxfam’s Questionnaire Made Fun

2008-07-25T11:38:00.006+01:00

Don’t you dread it when people ask your opinion for a questionnaire? Well, I do! However this approach from Oxfam really removes the drudgery from the process.

Approached at Latitude Festival, I was asked – from a range of options including ‘Doom Merchants’ and ‘Apathy’ – what annoyed me: that I thought was ‘pants’. All you did was fill out a small postcard, and you got a badge saying ‘I think that X is pants’. Involving and interactive – and my daughter liked the pink pants on the badge...

Posted by: Dan

Time to think about the ‘Unthinkable’

2008-07-25T11:26:00.004+01:00

I like this book – ‘Unthinkable’ – about how and why some people save themselves from disasters, and others don’t. I know it sounds a bit macabre, but it is a compelling read, taking in stories from 9/11 and many more. It not only relates how people saved themselves, but gives pointers to your ‘disaster personality’ and how you can do things to improve your chances of surviving.

Think it’s a waste of time reading that Airline Safety Card...? Think again. You have more power to survive in those situations than you realise. Read this book.

Only the paranoid survive!

Posted by: Dan

The Police: gig at MEN Arena

2008-07-14T16:21:00.003+01:00

Expecting a nostalgic night where me and my little sis could reminisce to well-known tunes from our Dad’s record collection, we got rather more than we bargained for, with Sting wowing the ladeez in a tight see-thru top and some WICKED performances from three men old enough to BE our Dad in fact. Everything they does is magic...!

Posted by: Clare

Street Performers

2008-07-14T15:41:00.009+01:00

We recently had a day out in London to celebrate our 7th birthday. After having such a superb lunch at the Wahaca restaurant in Covent Garden, we decided to take a stroll along the side of the river by the London Eye where we saw some fantastic street performers. The ones that caught my eye were these still statues that just looked amazing! We ended the day in style by sipping cocktails at the very chic Sanderson Hotel.

Posted by: Richard

Daft Hands - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

2008-07-14T15:09:00.009+01:00

Hey check this out! Crazy… be patient, it takes about a minute to get into it but when the lyrics go really fast its crazy.

Posted by: Clare

Eat me if you can...

2008-07-14T14:13:00.006+01:00

Chocolate letter press

Something for all chocoholic type fanatics...
or I'll eat my words!

Posted by: Yvette

Fifty Designers' Current Favourite Typefaces

2008-07-14T14:09:00.009+01:00

I like this little book from create/reject. 50 great designers have submitted their current favourite typefaces which have been compiled and turned into this book. It only costs £3 and 100% of the cover fee goes to UNICEF's Burma Cyclone Children's Appeal.

Contributers include Stefan Sagmeister, Eboy and Experimental Jetset to name but a few.

It's available from http://www.createreject.com/ and you can also buy one using paypal if you want to and it's for a very good cause!

Posted by: Bew

Sex and The City

2008-07-14T13:50:00.012+01:00

Sex and The City (2008) Official Movie Trailer

My favourite shopping pal and I (AND she’s actually called Cari...!) spent the ultimate girly day out together:

1 – Shoe shopping
2 – TopShop shopping
3 – Ladies wot lunch
4 – Ladies wot blow-out on Ben & Jerry’s
5 – Settle into our “superior” style seats at the cinema to watch Sex and The City in glorious Technicolor
6 – Sob loudly and uncontrollably throughout the film
7 – Quick visit to Boots to reapply ruined faces

Whew what a day!

Posted by: Clare

British Council Newsletter (2005)

2008-07-10T13:04:00.008+01:00

I admire the dedication of the Belgian designer Sara De Bondt. The newsletter, images as well as text, are rendered entirely by hand.

Printed in one colour on newsprint paper, size A5, 16 pages.

Hopefully they went easy with the amends.

Posted by: Matt

Brains from Thunderbirds takes centre stage in Drench ad

2008-06-09T17:35:00.010+01:00

This has to be one of the best adverts on TV at the mo. Brains from Thunderbirds doing a Napoleon Dynamite-style dance for a full 55 seconds before telling us that water is good for the brain (get it?). It doesn’t entirely compute, but it’s so artfully executed that it doesn’t matter. It’s a totally seductive piece of work.

The brief for this project was to build mass awareness of drench and position it as the smarter hydrator in the water category.

Love the soundtrack – Rhythm is a Dancer by Snap – classic! Bring back the 90s!!

Posted by: Bew

'The Power to Heal'

2008-06-09T17:01:00.007+01:00

NSPCC ‘Power to Heal’ Mailer

I received this really powerful DM mailer from the NSPCC. The mailer is part of their ongoing 'Full Stop' campaign.

The theme is on 'crayons' and 'the power to heal' through art therapy.

When young children are abused they find it hard to communicate about how they are feeling. Through the therapy sessions they can express themselves and talk about the pictures they draw and the experiences they have gone through.

A real worthy cause and if you find the need to give a little then please visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/supporter

Posted by: Richard

TK Foo Fighting at Wembley

2008-06-09T16:36:00.006+01:00

I was lucky enough to blag a ticket to see the Foo Fighters at Wembley Stadium last weekend, courtesy of our lovely clients at 505 Games. God bless em! What a gig!

Posted by: Tom

Amateur Transplants - when junior doctors get lyrical!

2008-06-09T16:02:00.003+01:00

WARNING! Not for the easily offended, but as it says on their website - 10% of all CD sales goes to Macmillan Cancer Support, so you can feel a bit better about yourself whilst laughing at their evil jokes. A bit like making your soul carbon neutral - Karma neutral if you will.

Check them out on YouTube:

Amateur Transplants: Careless Surgeon LIVE

Posted by: Yvette

Charlatans hit Sheffield!

2008-06-09T15:50:00.005+01:00

Went to see The Charlatans at the Carling Academy, Sheffield’s latest live music venue. Great fun to get mixed up in some proper sweaty moshing, been a while!

Posted by: Tom

The Pigeon Detectives

2008-06-09T15:39:00.003+01:00

Went to see the Pigeon Detectives at the Carling Academy in Sheffield. Much crowd surfing to be had (not by myself of course), and they were fantastic live - great energy. Really enjoying the Carling Academy too, great venue.

Check them out on YouTube:

The Pigeon Detectives - Take Her Back

Posted by: Yvette

The latest instalment from GTA - Grand Theft Auto IV

2008-06-09T15:02:00.009+01:00

Ok this game is the real reason why I bought a Playstation 3 at the beginning of April. In previous years I really enjoyed GTA Vice City and San Andreas so I knew IV would definitely be a winner!

It took around 2 and a half years to make, taking over 100,000 photographs of New York and using time lapse cameras to capture environments and weather i.e. rainstorm intensity and sunsets.

This game is incredible and hasn’t disappointed. In fact each time I play it I like it even more. It’s the attention to detail that amazes me, for example when the character’s footsteps reflect the terrain he’s walking on or when you hear a news story on the radio reporting on events that you did during a mission – it’s just incredible!!

Things to do in GTA IV when not causing mayhem…

Get drunk
Play darts
Go bowling
Go shopping
Browse and e-mail online
Go and see Ricky Gervais at the Comedy Club
Listen to the radio
Watch TV

Check out the trailer for GTA IV:

Posted by: Jemma

You're Fired! The Apprentice 2008

2008-06-09T14:20:00.002+01:00

Sir Alan makes my day.

Making Wednesday evening a whole lot better. Quality viewing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/

Posted by: Matt

Jason Miller's “Seconds” Dinner Plates

2008-06-09T13:53:00.006+01:00

I've just bought a new dinner set, but I'll be getting a set of these purely for decoration - I might even mount them on my wall!

Jason Miller's “Seconds” series challenges the rules that surround modern day consumer items. Do decorations always need to be centered? Is a whole bird better than a half? Here, Jason’s elegant “mistakes” are artfully and carefully applied to porcelain dinner plates. Too cool to eat your dinner off.

Posted by: Matt

Wall-E

2008-05-30T11:41:00.002+01:00

I'm sure Pixar's new film, Wall-E, will be it's biggest hit so far. It's set on earth in the not too distant future. Wall-E is a robot tasked with cleaning up the planet while all the humans have been temporarily evacuated. The story has love interest in the shape of Jonathan Ive-designed Eve and a strong environmental message. Can't wait to see it! I bet we'll all be buying Wall-E merchandise this Christmas.

Posted by: Paul M

Superbowl 2008 Advertising

2008-05-14T16:38:00.013+01:00

The Superbowl always generates great big-money ads due to the nature of the event and the millions of people that will be reached by them.

Check out these clips of Superbowl Commercials 2008 on YouTube:

The below ad is for a tyre manufacturer! Awesome simple idea….

The E baby Ads. The first is the buying stocks one and the second is the baby and the clown.

The Will Ferrel ad for his new film. Typecast as always, but I love this guy.

Pepsi’s take on the Saturday night live sketch….. simple and with a classic soundtrack.

Posted by: Bew

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED IN MY LIFE SO FAR

2008-05-14T16:08:00.002+01:00

Stefan Sagmeister is among today's most important graphic designers. Since 1993 Sagmeister Inc. has focused on all things printed, including posters, brochures, books and graphics and packaging for music clients. His work has won nearly all the international design awards available. Born in Austria, he now lives and works in New York.

‘Things I Have learned in My Life So Far’ is a book based on a list of Stefan’s personal maxims.

The maxims were published all over the world, in spaces normally occupied by advertisements and promotions: as billboards, projections, light-boxes, magazine spreads, annual report covers, fashion brochures, and, recently, as giant inflatable monkeys.

Made by the graphic designer on his “experimental year”, where he took time out from working on commercial projects, the book holds 16 unbound signatures housed within a laser-cut slipcase (allowing 16 alternative covers).

Whilst stefan’s book could be considered as self indulgent, look further and you will find a Visually interesting, Funny & philosophical piece of work.

Posted by: Matt

Nick Cave is a bloody legend!

2008-05-14T15:57:00.003+01:00

Went to see Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds last week, and as a fairly recent convert (thanks Matt!) this was the first time I’ve seen them live. They rocked the place and Nick Cave was just amazing. What a bloke!

http://www.nickcaveandthebadseeds.com/

Posted by: Tom